In three days Pakistanis worldwide will be commemorating 23rd March, or Pakistan's Republic Day, this is the day that Pakistan became the first Islamic Republic in the world (1956). It is also the date of the Lahore Resolution (Qarardad-e-Pakistan or the then Qarardad-e-Lahore), was passed at the Annual General Convention of the All India Muslim League (1940).It is celebrated with parades in Islamabad that involve both military contingents, such as the Pakistan Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, as well as civilian ones. A special investiture ceremony is also held in the Presidents house to bestow titles and awards to military and civilian recipients.
The events are televised via Pakistan's National Television (PTV). As a young boy I recall looking forward to waking up early on the Morning of 23rd March to watch the 23rd March parade on Television.
The events are televised via Pakistan's National Television (PTV). As a young boy I recall looking forward to waking up early on the Morning of 23rd March to watch the 23rd March parade on Television.Right: Working Committee - All India Muslim league, Lahore Session, 23rd March 1940
I did also once attend the parade live in Islamabad (the Capitol city of Pakistan). Sitting along Constitution Avenue in pouring rain was a day to remember.
Right: Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore stands at a place where Muslim delegations from all over India gathered to pass the Lahore Resolution, which later came to be known as the Pakistan Resolution
National Anthem of Pakistan:
The Original Words - In Roman Urdu
Pak sar zamin shad bad
Kisware haseen shad bad
Tu nishane azmealishan
arze Pakistan
Markaz e yaqin shadbad.
Pak sarzamin ka nizam,
quwat e akhuwat e awam
Qaum, mulk, sultanat
Painda tabinda bad,
shad bad manzal e murad.
Parcham e sitara o hilal
Rahbar e tarraqi o kamal
Tarjuman e mazi shan e hal
jane istaqbal
Sayyai, Khudae zul jalal.
English Translation
Blessed be sacred land,
Happy be bounteous relam,
Symbol of high resolve,
Land of Pakistan.
Blessed be thou citadel of faith.
The Order of this Scared Land
Is the might of the brotherhood of the people.
May the nation, the country, and the State
Shine in glory everlasting.
Blessed be the goal of our ambition.
This flag of the Cresent and the Star
Leads the way to progress and perfection,
Interpreter of our past,
glory of our present,
Inspiration of our future,
Symbol of Almighty's protection
Happy be bounteous relam,
Symbol of high resolve,
Land of Pakistan.
Blessed be thou citadel of faith.
The Order of this Scared Land
Is the might of the brotherhood of the people.
May the nation, the country, and the State
Shine in glory everlasting.
Blessed be the goal of our ambition.
This flag of the Cresent and the Star
Leads the way to progress and perfection,
Interpreter of our past,
glory of our present,
Inspiration of our future,
Symbol of Almighty's protection
Copyright (c) 2007 Abdulrahman Rafiq
